Preface – Vol. 36 No. 02 (September 2026)
The Law and Politics Book Review Vol. 36, Issue No. 02 brings three books on far-reaching topics that include criminal law, the US Presidency, and Canadian federalism.
First, Gary Bugh (Texas A&M University-Texarkana) reviews THE U.S. PRESIDENCY: POWER, RESPONSIBILITY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY, by E. Thomas Sullivan and Richard W. Painter. Bugh finds a highly useful book for all interested in studying the presidency from a historical (though not chronological) aspect. Bugh spends plenty of time exploring how the book develops topics of presidential power through President Trump. A book both timely and deeply rooted in history!
Next, Camden Hutchison (Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia) reviews the open access book DEBT AND FEDERALISM, VOLUME 2: PROVINCIAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT INSOLVENT DEBTORS IN CANADA, 1939–1960, by Thomas G.W. Telfer and Virginia Torrie. The second volume of this series tracks the process of judicial curtailment of subnational legislation related to debt and bankruptcy in Canada passed in the aftermath of the Great Depression and Canadian Dust Bowl. Hutchison’s review provides fine points on implications of landmark Canadian cases on the federal structure and powers in Canada.
Finally, Ralph Weisheit (Illinois State University) reviews FELONY REVIEW: TALES OF TRUE CRIME AND CORRUPTION IN CHICAGO, by Randy E. Barnett. This book presents a first-hand account of a relatively young lawyer who entered and moved up through the Cook County (IL) prosecutors office during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Equal parts informative and reflective, the stories tell of a member of the legal profession who must balance ethics, desires for advancement, and personal beliefs within a seemingly chaotic legal system.
Enjoy more of what the Law and Politics Book Review has to offer by visiting our website at lpbr.net. You can also contact us via email here to recommend a book to review, volunteer as a book reviewer, and pose any other inquiries.
